Eighteenth-century anatomist Honoré Fragonard's écorchés--preserved dissected real animal and human cadavers--are extraordinary works of virtuosic skill that have survived nearly two and a half centuries in the Fragonard Museum in Alfort, on the outskirts of Paris. Like the superb anatomical preparations made by the renowned seventeenth- to eighteenth-century anatomist Frederik Ruysch, Fragonard's specimens challenge our understanding of historical science, Western culture, and the display of the dead. A desiccated rider mounted atop a galloping horse, wondrous demonstrations of animal anatomy: these impressive spectacles of permanently preserved bodies are still on display in the stunning collection of the Fragonard Museum. Intriguing, strange, and the rarest of rare, Fragonard's écorchés are specimens from a realm that exists between art and science and are the historical precursor of modern-day plastinated anatomical specimens popularly exhibited worldwide.

One of the most forward-looking artists of the eighteenth century, Jean Honoré Fragonard (1732–1806) was a virtuoso draftsman whose works on paper count among the great achievements of his time. This book showcases Fragonard's mastery and experimentation in a range of media, from vivid red chalk to luminous brown wash, as well as etching, watercolor, and gouache. With essays that focus on the role of drawing in his creative process and provide a modern reevaluation of his graphic work, the book offers fresh perspectives on this innovative and independent artist, who began his career in the Rococo era but lived through and adapted to changing times in France, and who chose to leave the more defined path of official patronage in order to work for private clients. Unlike many earlier painters who used drawings primarily as preparatory tools, Fragonard explored their potential as works of art in their own right, ones that permitted him to work with great freedom and allowed his genius to shine. The 100 featured works come from New York collections, public and private, balancing a mix of well-loved masterpieces, new discoveries, and works that have long been out of the public eye. Fragonard: Drawing Triumphant illuminates the approach of a ceaselessly inventive artist whose draftsmanship was at the core of his remarkable body of work.

Often dismissed merely as Fragonard's sister-in-law, Marguerite Gérard (French, 1761-1837) was in fact one of the major artists working in France in the late eighteenth century. Initially Fragonard's pupil, then his assistant and finally his collaborator, she found success as an artist in her own right, becoming known for her portraits and sometimes voluptuous genre scenes. The only female genre artist of her time, she excelled in the treatment of reflections and surfaces, in the rendering of flesh, and in domestic scenes of daily life. Standing alongside Elisabeth Vigée Le Brun and Adélaïde Labille-Guiard, Marguerite Gérard is another in the distinguished company of French female artists of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries whose major talents and formidable characters are now being rediscovered. Lavishly illustrated throughout, this engaging and comprehensive study - the first devoted to Gérard - includes detailed appendices and a complete catalogue raisonné of Marguerite Gérard's work.

Jean-Honoré Fragonard (1732-1806) was a French painter whose late manner is distinguished by remarkable facility, exuberance, and hedonism. A prolific artist, Fragonard produced more than 550 paintings. The J. Paul Getty Museum's Fragonard masterpiece, The Fountain of Love, is part of a series of his most striking works called the Allegories of Love, exquisite paintings that convey an atmosphere of intimacy and eroticism. This lavishly illustrated book compares and analyzes the compositions, iconography, and sources of the Allegories in the context of ancien régime Preromanticism. The author discusses the transcendental aspect of love in the Allegories and the concept of Romantic love and painting on the eve of the French Revolution. The book accompanies Consuming Passion: Fragonard's Allegories of Love, an exhibition of the artist's work that opens at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute on October 28, 2007, and at the J. Paul Getty Museum on February 12, 2008.

Stroll breathtaking coastlines, explore Roman ruins, and soak up the sun: with Rick Steves on your side, Provence and the French Riviera can be yours! Inside Rick Steves Provence & the French Riviera you'll find: Comprehensive coverage for spending a week or more exploring Provence and the Riviera Rick's strategic advice on how to get the most out of your time and money, with rankings of his must-see favorites Top sights and hidden gems, from the Pont du Gard aqueduct and impressionist masterpieces, to warm stone villages and cozy wineries How to connect with local culture: Relax at a waterfront café, dive into a bowl of bouillabaisse, and watch fishermen sail back to the harbor Beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps with Rick's candid, humorous insight The best places to eat, sleep, and relax over a glass of Provençal wine Self-guided walking tours of lively neighborhoods and incredible museums Detailed maps for exploring on the go Useful resources including a packing list, a French phrase book, a historical overview, and recommended reading Over 500 bible-thin pages include everything worth seeing without weighing you down Complete, up-to-date information on Arles, Avignon, Orange and the Côtes du Rhône, Nice, Monaco, Antibes, the Inland Riviera, and more Make the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves Provence & the French Riviera. Spending more time in France? Try Rick Steves Best of France.

With Rick Steves, Nice and the French Riviera are yours to discover! This slim guide excerpted from Rick Steves France includes: Rick's firsthand, up-to-date advice on the best sights, restaurants, hotels, and more, plus tips to beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps Top sights and local experiences: Relax on seafront promenades and pebble beaches, stroll the yacht-filled harbors, and cycle or drive along scenic coastal roads. Explore medieval town centers and admire the works of Chagall and Matisse Helpful maps and self-guided walking tours to keep you on track Updated to reflect changes that occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic up to the date of publication With selective coverage and Rick's trusted insight into the best things to do and see, Rick Steves Snapshot Nice & the French Riviera is truly a tour guide in your pocket. Exploring beyond Nice and the Riviera? Pick up Rick Steves France for comprehensive coverage, detailed itineraries, and essential information for planning a countrywide trip.